Northrop Grumman announced Wednesday that flight testing has commenced with new computing hardware and communications gear that will bolster the B-2 stealth bomber’s connectivity. A B-2 test aircraft stationed at Edwards AFB, Calif., has been flying with this equipment since Sept. 1, according to the company. This gear, which includes a new integrated processing unit, disk drive, and fiberoptic cables, is the first increment of the B-2’s extremely high frequency satellite communications upgrade. Northrop announced in March that it had begun installing this equipment on the aircraft. The EHF upgrade comprises three increments of varying complexity. When the upgrade is complete, the B-2 will be able to send and receive battlefield information by satellite more than 100 times faster than it can today, stated the company.
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.